On distribution over the cathode surface of the current due to positive ions in discharge with oscillating electrons

The mechanisms of processes determining distribution of positive ions on the cathode surface in a discharge with oscillating electrons are studied. At low pressures P≤5×10⁻⁵ torr over the entire range of anode length variation l _a=0.5–11 cm, the ion current distribution over the cathode radius J _i(r) features a single maximum in the center and drops steeply with distance from the axis. At pressures P=1–4×10⁻⁴ torr, the distribution J _i(r) for short anodes (l _a<6 cm) is similar to the previous one but, for long anodes (l _a=6–10 cm), new maxima at higher J _i values have been detected. A physical explanation for the obtained results is proposed.